Two years ago, the tragic case of Terri Schiavo dramatized the importance of life care planning.  That need is no less vital today. 

Schiavo, a young Florida woman, collapsed suddenly and suffered permanent brain damage.  Unfortunately, she had not written her wishes regarding medical care.  Her family members disagreed about how she should be treated, leading to a long and anguishing legal battle.  The case illustrated why everyone, both young and old, should prepare a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney.

Today, less than 25 percent of Americans have put their thoughts in writing about how they wish to be cared for at the end of their lives.

The Attorney General’s Office recently produced Life Care Planning for Everyone, a short video/DVD that encourages open family discussions so well-reasoned choices can be made before an emergency – choices that can significantly reduce stress on our loved ones.  The video can be easily downloaded from the Attorney General's Web site at www.azag.gov.

Also available on our Web site at no cost are Life Care Planning packets in both English and Spanish.  These easy to understand legal forms include:

●    Durable Health Care Power of Attorney
●    Durable Mental Health Care Power of Attorney
●    Living Will (End of Life Care)
●    Letter to My Agent (Representative)
●    Pre-Hospital Medical Directive (Do Not Resuscitate)

Life Care Planning packets can also be obtained from the Attorney General's Offices in Phoenix and Tucson, as well as our 32 Satellite Offices throughout Arizona.  The Satellite Offices are staffed by volunteers who make it easy for residents to get information on many consumer issues.  A list of Satellite Office locations is posted on the Community Services page of the Attorney General’s Web site.

Arizonans of all ages should make their choices known about who will manage their affairs in the event of a medical emergency.  I hope the DVD and the advance directive forms from the Attorney General’s Office make it easier to take the short steps needed to be prepared.

Terry Goddard